Snakes are some of the most misunderstood reptiles out there. The reality is that they’re often more afraid of you than you are of them, and they actually tend to avoid contact with humans whenever possible.
But when one of these slithery snakes does feel threatened on your property, it’s important to know how to deal with it in the safest way possible.
That’s where the tips from this article come in handy. Read on to learn how to keep snakes away from your home for good!
Set Up Snake Traps
If you find a snake in your home or yard, don’t try to kill it. Instead, use deterrents that are specially designed for snakes. These should be placed near the areas where the snake is most likely to be seen, such as in dark and damp places.
It can be very dangerous to trap a snake, so you are best to call a professional if you decide to go that path. Set up several traps so that when one catches a snake, another will be there to take its place. Place them along doorways, under porches and decks, and around gardens where people often walk.
Install Motion-Sensing Lights
Motion-sensing lights can help keep snakes away. They work by sensing motion in the area and turning on a light.
This will scare away most animals, as they’re afraid of being caught in the light. However, this only works if you have an outdoor motion detector that is within range of your house. If you have an indoor motion detector, it will probably not pick up any movement because the house blocks its view of outside, where all the action is happening.
So, what do you do? Well, for one thing, buy sensors with multiple beams so that there’s always one beam out of the many directed at your yard. Make sure those beams are pointed towards areas where there’s lots of animal activity. That way it won’t be too far off when something does come along!
Seal Spaces Under Decks/Patios
Sealing your patios or decks also minimizes the chances of intrusion by a snake. The best way to do this is with a liquid spray that will form a rubberized coating on the wood when it dries.
You can also caulk gaps in doorways, windows, or other openings where snakes may try to enter your home.
Be sure to take care not to create any new openings while sealing existing ones as they may provide a place for snakes or other pests such as mice, rats, or bats to enter your home.
Remove Snakes’ Hiding Places
Remove all bushes, plants, and other vegetation that could provide cover for snakes. This way, you can prevent them from entering your home. It will also be easier to spot them if they are there.
Clear off any leaves or other debris piled up in the yard or on your patio. Even small piles can provide shelter for a snake.
Wrap Tree Trunks with Copper Tape
Snakes don’t like the feeling of copper, so wrapping tree trunks with copper tape is a way to deter them. Copper also protects against termites, ants, and other pests. You can find a copper wire or mesh at most hardware stores in various gauges (the thicker the better).
Cut it into strips and wrap it around tree trunks in an overlapping fashion about 3 feet off the ground. Trim back excess wire ends to avoid snagging on things as you walk by.
Clean Up Bird Nest and Trash
Birds and their nests are a favorite food for many types of snakes. If you see a snake in your yard, check your tree branches and shrubs for bird nests.
Trim back shrubs and trees so that it’s difficult for snakes to climb them. Mow high grass regularly, preferably weekly.
Get Rid of Moles and Gophers
Moles and gophers can leave small tunnels and piles of dirt in their wake, which can be an indication that they are close by. If you see any signs of mole or gopher activity, it is time to take action. You can use traps or bait in the spring or fall.
Place them on their main runway.
There is also a homemade remedy to deter these small animals that some people report success with. Mix three parts of castor oil and one part of dish soap with a gallon of water. Apply this mixture to their tunnel and key entrances to evict moles and gophers.
Holes in your yard might also indicate there might be some snakes living around. There are also ways to get rid of them.
Plant Snake Repellent Plants
Planting a variety of snake-repellent plants will help discourage them from entering your yard and garden. Some of the best snake-repellent plants are marigolds, garlic, snakeroots, basil, and yellow alder.
Use a Snake Repellent Product:
Snake-repellent products such as sprays or vibrators are one of the best ways to keep snakes away from your property. They are safe, effective, and quick-acting. So how do these snake-repellent products work?
The Repellers are a compact long-stemmed device, placed 6 inches into the ground. They work by creating vibrations through the ground. When snakes sense these vibrations, they assume it to be from large heavy-footed animals which can harm them. This prompts them to leave the place.
The Bottom Line:
It’s critical to understand how to keep snakes away from your house.
Even if you’re not afraid of snakes, having one slither across your path can be quite an unpleasant experience.
To prevent these unwanted visitors from showing up at your home, we hope that the abovementioned options will help.
Even if you live in an area where snakes are common, these tips should help scare off those serpents that choose to visit you.